12-year-old dies after being hit by car in Bulloch Co.

BULLOCH, Ga. (WTOC) - A 12-year-old boy in Bulloch County died after being hit by a car Wednesday morning.

It happened on Maria Sorrell Road just after 7 a.m. Bulloch County Coroner Jake Futch identified the child as Eli Bradley.

Georgia State Patrol said Bradley was running toward his school bus before it got to the designated pick-up spot. GSP said he ran into the road and was hit by an oncoming car.

Troopers said the bus was stopped at a nearby intersection and did not have flashing lights or arm engaged.

It is unlikely the driver of the car will face charges, according to GSP.

While the investigators work through this case, one neighbor says she pulled away mere moments before this tragedy unfolded.

“Saw the kids waiting at the bus stop with their parents. They were in cars due to the cold temperatures. I stopped at the stop sign, look left - no cars. Saw the bus coming around the corner,” neighbor Christina Harrell said.

Bradley was a student at William James Middle School. The school district says they’ll have extra counselors at the child’s school for classmates who may need help dealing with the tragedy.

The Bulloch County School District released a statement:

“We were made aware this morning that a student was involved in an accident involving a car. Georgia State Patrol has charge of the accident scene and the investigation.

We always hurt and grieve when a child is lost to us. Our crisis and counseling teams responded immediately, and they will provide extra administrative and counseling support for students, staff and faculty during this tragedy.”

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